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PhoneArena.com - Cell Phone Reviews, News, Specs and Info.en-usCopyright 2001-2006 PhoneArena. All rights reserved.phonearena@phonearena.comPhoneArena.comhttp://www.phonearena.com/img/logo-en.gifhttp://www.phonearena.com/
10780BBM's 10th birthday is here, grab a free sticker pack to celebratehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BBMs-10th-birthday-is-here-grab-a-free-sticker-pack-to-celebrate_id72201BBM is 10 years old today. According to the book "Losing The Signal," the messaging service was developed by three BlackBerry employees who were looking for something to do following a 10% cut in the company's head count. When the service launched on August 1st 2005, smartphones meant BlackBerry and BlackBerry meant smartphones. A lot has happened over this decade. BBM is now available on all major platforms and is more than just a texting service.

For the rest of today, BlackBerry is giving away a free "Happy Birthday BBM" sticker pack from the BBM Store. Click on the sourcelink to grab ...]]>NewsSat, 01 Aug 2015 14:50:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BBMs-10th-birthday-is-here-grab-a-free-sticker-pack-to-celebrate_id72201/commentsAlan F.BlackBerry Dallas to be named BlackBerry Passport Silver Editionhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Dallas-to-be-named-BlackBerry-Passport-Silver-Edition_id72194The phone that first caught our attention as the BlackBerry Oslo, and then the BlackBerry Dallas, will apparently be officially launched as the BlackBerry Passport Silver Edition. A "confidential" slide that leaked from BlackBerry reveals the new name of the handset. The fact that the device will share the Passport name with the original model should not be a surprise since the phone shares the same specs as the original BlackBerry Passport.

Despite the leaked image, we still suggest taking this story with a grain of salt. If true, the Passport Silver Edition will feature a 4.5-inch display ...]]>NewsFri, 31 Jul 2015 20:00:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Dallas-to-be-named-BlackBerry-Passport-Silver-Edition_id72194/commentsAlan F.T-Mobile slashes BlackBerry Classic prices by $70, grab one now for $369.99http://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-slashes-BlackBerry-Classic-prices-by-70-grab-one-now-for-369.99_id72188Back in April 2014, T-Mobile and BlackBerry engaged in a head-on dispute when BlackBerry decided not to renew T-Mobile's contract that allowed the carrier to sell BlackBerry phones. All of that ended this May, when T-Mobile started selling the BlackBerry Classic through its stores. If you've been holding out to purchase a BlackBerry Classic until a good deal rears its head, today is the day.

T-Mobile has just dropped the price of the BlackBerry Classic to $369.99, which is almost $70 off the handset's previous price of $439.92. If you'd rather pay for the phone as you go, you ...]]>NewsFri, 31 Jul 2015 12:51:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-slashes-BlackBerry-Classic-prices-by-70-grab-one-now-for-369.99_id72188/commentsMihai A.PocketSafe app keeps you from butt-dialing with your BlackBerry 10 phonehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/PocketSafe-app-keeps-you-from-butt-dialing-with-your-BlackBerry-10-phone_id72152About a week ago, a federal appeals court in Cincinnati ruled that butt-dialers do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Because the person making the accidental call knows that keeping his phone in a rear pocket can lead to a butt-dialed call, there is no right to privacy in this situation. The appeals court said that a person who butt-dials a call is like the homeowner who leaves his window shades open so that the neighbors and others can see in. If you don't cover your windows, you have to expect people to look inside.

Well, if you own a BlackBerry 10 handset, a new app has been ...]]>NewsThu, 30 Jul 2015 16:28:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/PocketSafe-app-keeps-you-from-butt-dialing-with-your-BlackBerry-10-phone_id72152/commentsAlan F.Defying standards: smartphones with weird display resolutionshttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Defying-standards-smartphones-with-weird-display-resolutions_id71957Right now, the most common smartphone display resolutions are 720 x 1280 pixels (720p, or HD), 1080 x 1920 pixels (1080p, or Full HD), and 1440 x 2560 pixels (Quad HD). Of course, 480 x 800 pixels (WVGA), 480 x 854 pixels (FWVGA) and 560 x 960 pixels (qHD) also deserve to be mentioned, but these, as you've surely noticed, are rarely used today, and will probably disappear completely in the near future. What will likely not disappear anytime soon (or ever) is weird pixel resolutions. Currently, there are quite a few notable smartphones that feature screens with unusual resolutions, so we're inviting ...]]>NewsSun, 26 Jul 2015 12:36:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Defying-standards-smartphones-with-weird-display-resolutions_id71957/commentsFlorin T.BlackBerry Enterprise Service to be banned in Pakistanhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Enterprise-Service-to-be-banned-in-Pakistan_id71936Citing “security concerns,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior issued a directive to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to block BlackBerry’s Enterprise Server (BES) beginning December 1st this year.

BES is BlackBerry’s business solution, operating in tandem with Exchange or Domino servers, the highly secure platform provides companies with autonomous, highly manageable features for BlackBerry devices as well as the applications they use, even how much access they have to different networks or services.

The PTA, in turn, sent letters to Pakistan’s mobile operators outlining ...]]>NewsSat, 25 Jul 2015 02:34:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Enterprise-Service-to-be-banned-in-Pakistan_id71936/commentsMaxwell R.BlackBerry Dallas visits the FCChttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Dallas-visits-the-FCC_id71925The BlackBerry Dallas is the unannounced handset that was originally called the BlackBerry Oslo. Looking like another variant of the BlackBerry Passport with its boxy shape and physical QWERTY, the handset is believed to contain the exact same specs as the Passport. The Dallas recently was certified by agencies in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. It also was shipped to India, along with the BlackBerry Venice Slider, for "evaluation."

Now, it appears that the BlackBerry Dallas has paid a visit to the FCC. The RHR191LW model number found on the FCC documentation is also found in the ...]]>NewsFri, 24 Jul 2015 19:45:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Dallas-visits-the-FCC_id71925/commentsAlan F.BlackBerry to cut down on phone production, still planning on a device to appease iPhone usershttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-to-cut-down-on-phone-production-still-planning-on-a-device-to-appease-iPhone-users_id71905Mr. John Chen, CEO of BlackBerry, sat down with FOX Business reporters to talk about the past and future of the phone-building company. BlackBerry was pretty prominent in the past, but allowed itself to slip and fall from the top soon after Apple rocked the industry with the release of the iPhone. Ever since, BlackBerry handsets have remained favorite handsets for governments and some professionals, but have fallen off the mainstream public's radar.

In the interview, Mr. Chen admits that the company has decided to shift focus from making handsets to further developing the security of its ...]]>NewsFri, 24 Jul 2015 07:00:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-to-cut-down-on-phone-production-still-planning-on-a-device-to-appease-iPhone-users_id71905/commentsPaul K.BlackBerry cuts more jobshttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-cuts-more-jobs_id71744More BlackBerry employees have been sent packing. According to an email sent out Monday by the troubled tech company, the layoffs were made to improve the efficiencies at BlackBerry. The number of employees handed a pink slip was not disclosed. This comes after an earlier round of layoffs took place back in May. The company is supposedly looking to focus on software over hardware and can afford to reduce its head count.

Still, rumors are swirling about a handset rumored to be called the BlackBerry Venice. This is allegedly an Android powered slider with curved glass and up-to-date specs. ...]]>NewsTue, 21 Jul 2015 00:18:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-cuts-more-jobs_id71744/commentsAlan F.Best smartphones you can buy right now: July 2015http://www.phonearena.com/news/Best-smartphones-you-can-buy-right-now-July-2015_id64576

With so many different (yet similar) smartphones from so many brands from across the globe, one may start feeling a bit lost. Which one of those many is the best phone you can buy right now?

Luckily, at this time of the year, there is no reason to complain much as the best Android phones are now available: the Samsung Galaxy S6, LG G4 and HTC One M9 are now on store shelves, and their presence alone obliterates many of the earlier Android devices.

There is no definite one-size-fits-all devce, though, and that's why we explore ...]]>NewsMon, 20 Jul 2015 03:44:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Best-smartphones-you-can-buy-right-now-July-2015_id64576/commentsVictor H.AT&T updates the BlackBerry Passport and BlackBerry Classic to 10.3.2.556http://www.phonearena.com/news/AT-T-updates-the-BlackBerry-Passport-and-BlackBerry-Classic-to-10.3.2.556_id71581The AT&T version of the BlackBerry Passport replaces those sharp edges on the original model, with smooth, rounded corners. Outside of the cosmetic change, the specs remain the same and the phone keeps that clear 4.5-inch LCD screen and 1440 x 1440 resolution. BlackBerry promotes the device's wide screen as a huge advantage for those in the enterprise who use their phone to read memos and documents; the hybrid physical and virtual QWERTY makes it a breeze to type out emails and messages.

On Wednesday, AT&T started pushing out BlackBerry OS 10.3.2.556 to the Passport and the ...]]>NewsThu, 16 Jul 2015 00:52:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/AT-T-updates-the-BlackBerry-Passport-and-BlackBerry-Classic-to-10.3.2.556_id71581/commentsAlan F.Why I find it hard to recommend an iPhonehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Why-I-find-it-hard-to-recommend-an-iPhone_id71442Yesterday, my colleague Paul shared a number of insights as to why he found it increasingly difficult to recommend Android devices to people who ask him what their next smartphone should be. I found many, if not all, of his points to be valid observations. However, I have a different persective when it comes to making such recommendations. Like anyone in the industry, I have plenty of friends and acquaintances that ask similar questions, “Max, what should I get next?” Almost as often, I’m also asked, “Should I just wait for the next hot gadget?”

I never answer the first question directly, ...]]>NewsMon, 13 Jul 2015 09:14:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Why-I-find-it-hard-to-recommend-an-iPhone_id71442/commentsMaxwell R.Don't like thin smartphones? These 6 handsets are pretty thick, but still greathttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Dont-like-thin-smartphones-These-6-handsets-are-pretty-thick-but-still-great_id71444In September 2012, when the 7.6mm-thin Apple iPhone 5 was released, no other major smartphone maker had handsets that were thinner than 8 mm. It seems that this was the moment when most smartphone manufacturers started designing and launching super-thin devices.

While we now have smartphones that are thinner than 5 mm, these are rare, and yet it's still clear that the trend is to slim down handsets as much as possible. Many of today's high-end smartphones are under 7mm thin: iPhone 6, Samsung Galaxy S6, Sony Xperia Z3+, Huawei P8, Xiaomi Mi Note, etc.

But some users don't really ...]]>NewsSun, 12 Jul 2015 19:35:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Dont-like-thin-smartphones-These-6-handsets-are-pretty-thick-but-still-great_id71444/commentsFlorin T.John Chen has no intention of selling BlackBerry at the momenthttp://www.phonearena.com/news/John-Chen-has-no-intention-of-selling-BlackBerry-at-the-moment_id71428BlackBerry fans should be quite excited. The company is teaming up with Google to help IT departments manage a fleet of Android powered handsets. BES12 keeps business data protected on Android flavored devices owned by a company, or brought to work by employees. But that isn't really where the excitement lies. More and more we are hearing talk about an Android powered BlackBerry handset that has prospective smartphone buyers on the edge of their seats.

The BlackBerry Venice is a slider that offers a 5.4-inch 1440 x 2560 resolution screen, powered by the Snapdragon 808 SoC. The slider's ...]]>NewsSat, 11 Jul 2015 01:30:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/John-Chen-has-no-intention-of-selling-BlackBerry-at-the-moment_id71428/commentsAlan F.BlackBerry and Google shake hands on Android focused enterprise partnershiphttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-and-Google-shake-hands-on-Android-focused-enterprise-partnership_id71378BlackBerry and Android have shaken hands on a new partnership that combines the fleet management capabilities of BES12, with the new security features of Android Lollipop 5.0. The result will be more secure business data on Android devices used for business. That includes use of encrypted data and restrictions on who can share information like calendars, contacts, files and apps. The devices covered are protected from malware, and personal information cannot be accessed by the company.

While the personal side of employees' Android handsets are blocked from IT, the latter has total control ...]]>NewsThu, 09 Jul 2015 17:35:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-and-Google-shake-hands-on-Android-focused-enterprise-partnership_id71378/commentsAlan F.BlackBerry Dallas and BlackBerry Venice imported into India for evaluationhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Dallas-and-BlackBerry-Venice-imported-into-India-for-evaluation_id71336Yesterday, we told you that the unannounced BlackBerry Dallas had been certified in Singapore, Malalsia and Indonesia. This is the model that has the same specs as the BlackBerry Passport, but has rounded corners on the bottom and a top bezel that contains the speaker grill, front-facing camera and the ambient/proximity light sensors.

The BlackBerry Dallas, which had been earlier leaked as the BlackBerry Oslo, has a model number of SQW100-4 and has appeared on the Zauba website. This is the site that tracks imports and exports into and out of India. According to the site, the Dallas ...]]>NewsWed, 08 Jul 2015 22:18:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Dallas-and-BlackBerry-Venice-imported-into-India-for-evaluation_id71336/commentsAlan F.BlackBerry registers AndroidSecured.com - BlackBerry Android phones incoming?http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-registers-AndroidSecured.com---BlackBerry-Android-phones-incoming_id71327Last month, BlackBerry CEO John Chen talked about Android smartphones, saying that his company would launch one only if it would manage to make it "secure enough." Fast forward to today, when we found out that BlackBerry recently registered the AndroidSecured.com and AndroidSecured.net domain names.

The new domain names were registered via corporate domain name registrar MarkMonitor, but, as the screenshot seen below is showing, they actually belong to BlackBerry Limited. This obviously makes us think that BlackBerry can, and will make secure Android smartphones, though for now the company ...]]>NewsWed, 08 Jul 2015 13:25:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-registers-AndroidSecured.com---BlackBerry-Android-phones-incoming_id71327/commentsFlorin T.Unannounced BlackBerry Dallas certified in three countrieshttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Unannounced-BlackBerry-Dallas-certified-in-three-countries_id71252The BlackBerry Dallas, also known as the BlackBerry Oslo, has been certified in a trio of locations. With a model number of SQW100-4, the handset showed up on Singapore's IDA, Malaysia's e-CoM and Indonesia's e-Postel. Since the device has the same innards as the BlackBerry Passport, we could see this model unveiled in the not too distant future.

The BlackBerry Dallas will feature a screen of unknown size, although if it copies the Passport it will be 4.5-inches. Resolution of the screen is expected to stay at 1440 x 1440, which means you should expect the screen to keep the square shape ...]]>NewsTue, 07 Jul 2015 01:35:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Unannounced-BlackBerry-Dallas-certified-in-three-countries_id71252/commentsAlan F.New BlackBerry Venice render shows up: Android Lollipop and curved screen visiblehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/New-BlackBerry-Venice-render-shows-up-Android-Lollipop-and-curved-screen-visible_id71166BlackBerry might soon release a high-end Android slider with a curved Quad HD display. Currently known as BlackBerry Venice, the device is expected to be officially introduced in November, with AT&T being one of the carriers to offer it.

Last month, we saw a few images that reportedly showed the Venice running BlackBerry OS 10, and today we can take a look at a new render, this time showing the handset running Android Lollipop.

Posted by @evleaks, the new render reveals the Venice when it's closed (thus without its sliding keyboard out). The handset's display - possibly a 5.4-inch ...]]>NewsFri, 03 Jul 2015 12:33:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/New-BlackBerry-Venice-render-shows-up-Android-Lollipop-and-curved-screen-visible_id71166/commentsFlorin T.This fall, MasterCard might allow you to use a selfie to verify your identity onlinehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/This-fall-MasterCard-might-allow-you-to-use-a-selfie-to-verify-your-identity-online_id71138According to a new report from CNN, MasterCard will be testing out the use of selfies as a way to authenticate its cardholders' identities when they make an online purchase. MasterCard says that taking a selfie is much easier than remembering a password and typing it in. Passwords are the form of identity used with MasterCard's "SecureCode," which was employed on over 3 billion online credit card transactions last year. But passwords can be stolen, or even correctly guessed at. A selfie can be more secure.

MasterCard has already reached agreements with Apple, Google, BlackBerry,Samsung and ...]]>NewsFri, 03 Jul 2015 01:11:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/This-fall-MasterCard-might-allow-you-to-use-a-selfie-to-verify-your-identity-online_id71138/commentsAlan F.One of BlackBerry's upcoming Android phones may look like thishttp://www.phonearena.com/news/One-of-BlackBerrys-upcoming-Android-phones-may-look-like-this_id71134What we're seeing below might be the lower half of one of BlackBerry's upcoming Android smartphones. Recent rumors have it that the Canadian company is getting ready to launch at least two Android-based handsets this year. One of them, codenamed BlackBerry Venice, should be a high-end slider with a curved Quad HD screen, while another one, codenamed BlackBerry Prague, is expected to resemble the low-end BlackBerry Z3.

But the device seen in the render below - posted today on Twitter by @evleaks - doesn't look like a slider, and neither like the Z3. Instead, it seems to resemble the BlackBerry ...]]>NewsThu, 02 Jul 2015 21:37:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/One-of-BlackBerrys-upcoming-Android-phones-may-look-like-this_id71134/commentsFlorin T.BlackBerry Venice (with Android and Quad HD screen) to be launched by AT&Thttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Venice-with-Android-and-Quad-HD-screen-to-be-launched-by-AT-T_id71125The BlackBerry Venice is an unannounced handset that should - according to rumors - be released sometime later this year, possibly in November. While BlackBerry has obviously not confirmed the existence of the Venice, Evan Blass (aka @evleaks) now says that the smartphone is "AT&T-bound." It's not clear when AT&T is planning to release the device, though we assume it's going to happen before the end of the year.

It's said that the BlackBerry Venice is a high-end slider with a hardware QWERTY keyboard, a 5.4-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) display, and a six-core Snapdragon 808 ...]]>NewsThu, 02 Jul 2015 17:10:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Venice-with-Android-and-Quad-HD-screen-to-be-launched-by-AT-T_id71125/commentsFlorin T.In Indonesia, BlackBerry adds a multi-platform mobile payment system to BBM Moneyhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/In-Indonesia-BlackBerry-adds-a-multi-platform-mobile-payment-system-to-BBM-Money_id71024In Indonesia, BBM is the most popular messaging app, especially on Android devices. Back in 2013, BlackBerry took advantage of this popularity by starting a money transferring business which pit it against highly entrenched companies like Western Union. Now, with Indonesia trailing only China in the pace of e-commerce, BBM Money has been updated to allow BBM users on iOS, Android and BlackBerry to make mobile payments online and in stores.

Indonesia appears like the perfect place for BlackBerry to start expanding BBM Money. Less than 20% of the adults in the country have a bank account, ...]]>NewsTue, 30 Jun 2015 23:26:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/In-Indonesia-BlackBerry-adds-a-multi-platform-mobile-payment-system-to-BBM-Money_id71024/commentsAlan F.Kantar: Android, Samsung and LG have three strong months of sales in the U.S.http://www.phonearena.com/news/Kantar-Android-Samsung-and-LG-have-three-strong-months-of-sales-in-the-U.S._id71001The latest data from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech shows that the Android OS had a strong three month period in the U.S., ending in May. During those 90 days, the open source platform saw its stateside market share rise by 2.8 percentage points to 64.9%. At the same time, Samsung had the lead in the U.S. among manufacturers, thanks to strong sales of the Samsung Galaxy S6. The company owned 55% of the stateside smartphone market for the three months ended in May, up from the 52% it had for the three months ended in April. May was the first full month that the Galaxy S6 was available for purchase.

While ...]]>NewsTue, 30 Jun 2015 12:02:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Kantar-Android-Samsung-and-LG-have-three-strong-months-of-sales-in-the-U.S._id71001/commentsAlan F.Major BBM update introduces Private Chats, Android app brings Material Design refreshhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Major-BBM-update-introduces-Private-Chats-Android-app-brings-Material-Design-refresh_id70891BlackBerry has just announced that a pretty big update for the BBM messaging app is now rolling out to Android, iOS, and BlackBerry 10 devices.

The update brings along a new Privacy and Control subscription, one that, priced at $0.99, will replace the existing Timed and Retracted Messages subscription. The new features were previously available in beta versions of the BBM app across various platforms, but now the new security options are now rolling out in the public builds of BBM.

As the name suggests, the new subscription allows users to take more control over ...]]>NewsFri, 26 Jun 2015 13:16:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Major-BBM-update-introduces-Private-Chats-Android-app-brings-Material-Design-refresh_id70891/commentsMihai A.BlackBerry is winning big in one segmenthttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-is-winning-big-in-one-segment_id70822Anyone that follows even a little bit of tech news knows that BlackBerry has seen better days. John Chen has been shepherding the company through some big adjustments.

Just as the company formerly known as Research in Motion changed its name to BlackBerry, it announced a sponsorship deal with Formula 1 team Mercedes AMG Petronas, currently led by drivers Lewis Hamilton, and Nico Rosberg.

BlackBerry is a significant sponsor of the team, with the company’s logo owning exclusive real estate along the team’s race cars' noses. While BlackBerry is navigating the wilderness of the smartphone ...]]>NewsThu, 25 Jun 2015 04:26:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-is-winning-big-in-one-segment_id70822/commentsMaxwell R.Chen says BlackBerry might design a bacteria-free phone for hospitalshttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Chen-says-BlackBerry-might-design-a-bacteria-free-phone-for-hospitals_id70819BlackBerry CEO John Chen, looking to help BlackBerry sell phones and services to hospitals, says that the company might build bacteria-free handsets. The executive made it clear that such a phone is not yet being developed by the company. The chief medical information officer at regional healthcare provider Mackenzie Health, Aviv Gladman, says that preventing patients from transferring bacteria and infections back and forth is a "huge issue."

According to Gladman, doctors and nurses are supposed to wipe their phone with alcohol every time that enter and exit a hospital room. Handsets can ...]]>NewsWed, 24 Jun 2015 22:06:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Chen-says-BlackBerry-might-design-a-bacteria-free-phone-for-hospitals_id70819/commentsAlan F.Chen: BlackBerry will build an Android smartphone only if it can make it secure enoughhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Chen-BlackBerry-will-build-an-Android-smartphone-only-if-it-can-make-it-secure-enough_id70771Earlier today, BlackBerry reported that it sold 1.1 million smartphones during the last quarter - 0.5 million less than in the previous quarter. Even so, the company isn't doing terribly bad (thanks to its services and software licensing business), and it will obviously continue to manufacture smartphones running BlackBerry OS. But what about those Android-related plans that the company is reportedly ready to pursue? Well, BlackBerry CEO John Chen today talked about this.

During an interview with CNBC (see the video embedded below), John Chen was asked what's the deal with all the rumors ...]]>NewsTue, 23 Jun 2015 15:31:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Chen-BlackBerry-will-build-an-Android-smartphone-only-if-it-can-make-it-secure-enough_id70771/commentsFlorin T.BlackBerry and Cisco sign long-term patent cross-licensing dealhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-and-Cisco-sign-long-term-patent-cross-licensing-deal_id70761BlackBerry announced today that it will be receiving some money from Cisco as part of a cross-licensing deal involving patents held by both tech firms. BlackBerry and Cisco have been working together for years, and with this deal in place both companies can go ahead working on new products and technology without fear that they will be infringing on patents owned by the other firm.

BlackBerry and Cisco plan on continuing to work together. Specific terms of the deal, including the amount of money that BlackBerry is receiving from Cisco, is confidential.

"Our agreement with Cisco underscores ...]]>NewsTue, 23 Jun 2015 10:02:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-and-Cisco-sign-long-term-patent-cross-licensing-deal_id70761/commentsAlan F.BlackBerry's financial report for Q1 of fiscal 2016 is out: a mostly break-even affairhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerrys-financial-report-for-Q1-of-fiscal-2016-is-out-a-mostly-break-even-affair_id70750Last time we heard about BlackBerry's financial situation, things were a bit surprising for many analysts - it actually reported a profit, despite the grim initial predictions. It was then said that the Canadian smartphone maker will be focusing on revenue stabilization in the upcoming quarters.

Well, BlackBerry just posted its financial report for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, and from the looks of it, this strategy is paying out for BlackBerry. Its

It reported revenue of $658 million, 40% of which is accountable to hardware, whereas services get and software licensing ...]]>NewsTue, 23 Jun 2015 07:31:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerrys-financial-report-for-Q1-of-fiscal-2016-is-out-a-mostly-break-even-affair_id70750/commentsPeter K.Poll results: Would you get a new BlackBerry if it ran Android?http://www.phonearena.com/news/Poll-results-Would-you-get-a-new-BlackBerry-if-it-ran-Android_id70700The BB10 mobile OS can already run some Android apps, but BlackBerry is recently in the crosshairs of rumor mongers with the speculation that it is prepping a phone with Android as the stock operating system. The device is allegedly codenamed Venice internally, and, again eventually, is said to be a slider of sorts. The handset is said to come with options to be either an Android, or a BB10 device, according to the user's preferences.

For the most parts, emulating Android apps hasn't been a seamless experience on BB10, so having a full-fledged Android device might return the spotlight on ...]]>NewsMon, 22 Jun 2015 03:53:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Poll-results-Would-you-get-a-new-BlackBerry-if-it-ran-Android_id70700/commentsDaniel P.First Android-based BlackBerry (codenamed Prague) could be released in Augusthttp://www.phonearena.com/news/First-Android-based-BlackBerry-codenamed-Prague-could-be-released-in-August_id70609In case you haven't heard, BlackBerry is apparently getting ready to release smartphones that don't run its own operating system, using Android instead. One of these handsets, allegedly codenamed BlackBerry Venice, could be launched in November, bringing high-end features like a 5.4-inch curved Quad HD display, and a six-core Snapdragon 808 processor. However, this might not be BlackBerry's first Android product.

According to N4BB, the Venice might not run Android at all, and yet BlackBerry could introduce an Android smartphone as soon as August.

Possibly codenamed BlackBerry Prague, ...]]>NewsThu, 18 Jun 2015 19:54:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/First-Android-based-BlackBerry-codenamed-Prague-could-be-released-in-August_id70609/commentsFlorin T.Would you get a new BlackBerry if it ran Android?http://www.phonearena.com/news/Would-you-get-a-new-BlackBerry-if-it-ran-Android_id70583The BB10 mobile OS can already run some Android apps, but BlackBerry is recently in the crosshairs of rumor mongers with the speculation that it is prepping a phone with Android as the stock operating system. The device is allegedly codenamed Venice internally, and, again eventually, is said to be a slider of sorts. The handset is said to come with options to be either an Android, or a BB10 device, according to the user's preferences.

For the most parts, emulating Android apps hasn't been a seamless experience on BB10, so having a full-fledged Android device might return the spotlight ...]]>NewsThu, 18 Jun 2015 06:29:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Would-you-get-a-new-BlackBerry-if-it-ran-Android_id70583/commentsDaniel P.BlackBerry Venice slider could launch in November with QHD display, Snapdragon 808 chipsethttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Venice-slider-could-launch-in-November-with-QHD-display-Snapdragon-808-chipset_id70558The BlackBerry Venice is a slider that BlackBerry showed off during MWC. As we passed along to you the other day, Russian blogger Eldar Murtazin believes that this will be the Android flavored handset that is rumored to be coming from BlackBerry. Actually, the buzz around the water cooler suggests that BlackBerry will offer two versions of the slider, one packed with Android and the other using BB10.

According to a report published today, the BlackBerry Venice will feature a 5.4-inch screen with curved edges and a resolution of 1440 x 2560. A 64-bit Snapdragon 808 SoC will be under the hood, ...]]>NewsWed, 17 Jun 2015 13:00:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-Venice-slider-could-launch-in-November-with-QHD-display-Snapdragon-808-chipset_id70558/commentsAlan F.Purported BlackBerry Passport with Android Lollipop onboard appearshttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Purported-BlackBerry-Passport-with-Android-Lollipop-onboard-appears_id70548

While the current BB10 mobile OS can run some Android apps, BlackBerry is recently in the crosshairs of rumor mongers with the suggestion that it is prepping a phone with Android as the stock operating system. The device is allegedly codenamed Venice internally, and, again eventually, is said to be a slider of sorts.

For the most parts, emulating Android apps hasn't been a seamless experience on BB10, so having a full-fledged Android device might return the spotlight on BlackBerry again. As if to prove that the company is indeed toying around with an Android phone, ...]]>NewsWed, 17 Jun 2015 08:42:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Purported-BlackBerry-Passport-with-Android-Lollipop-onboard-appears_id70548/commentsDaniel P.Murtazin: BlackBerry Venice will be an Android phone with BlackBerry serviceshttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Murtazin-BlackBerry-Venice-will-be-an-Android-phone-with-BlackBerry-services_id70464Russian blogger Eldar Murtazin swings for the fences. Sometimes he whiffs, other times he connects for a Home Run. We might not know what happens with this story right away, but here is the pitch. Last week, a rumor suggested that BlackBerry would be releasing an Android powered slider this fall. A phone codenamed the BlackBerry Venice was displayed at MWC with a top-down sliding QWERTY that harkens back to the BlackBerry Torch. Even though the Venice has been shown with BlackBerry 10 inside, Murtazin says that this will be the Android driven model coming from the Canadian company.

And there ...]]>NewsMon, 15 Jun 2015 11:00:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Murtazin-BlackBerry-Venice-will-be-an-Android-phone-with-BlackBerry-services_id70464/commentsAlan F.Report: BlackBerry Oslo is the next Porsche Design modelhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Report-BlackBerry-Oslo-is-the-next-Porsche-Design-model_id70428According to a report published today, the next BlackBerry Porsche Design model could be a phone we have already seen leaked images of. You're probably scratching your head, trying to recall what unannounced BlackBerry handsets we have pictured lately. Give up? The report says that the BlackBerry Oslo will be the next Porsche Design model priced in the neighborhood of $1000 to $2000.

Apparently, this report has been confirmed by a source that BerryReview has inside the company. The Porsche Design model produced by BlackBerry is usually based on the company's current high-end model. The first ...]]>NewsSun, 14 Jun 2015 11:45:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Report-BlackBerry-Oslo-is-the-next-Porsche-Design-model_id70428/commentsAlan F.BlackBerry 10.3.2 update starts to surfacehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-10.3.2-update-starts-to-surface_id70427Earlier this month, we told you that all BlackBerry 10 models would soon start to receive the BlackBerry OS 10.3.2 update. Based on images published this morning, it would appear that the latest build of BlackBerry 10 has started rolling out. Weighing in at 369MB, the file contains BlackBerry 10.3.2.440 to be precise, and includes a number of new features and bug fixes.

The update brings enhancements to your Berry's rear camera. With the update, the camera will take better pictures under low-light conditions even when the auto-mode setting is employed. Face detection is improved and ...]]>NewsSun, 14 Jun 2015 10:27:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-10.3.2-update-starts-to-surface_id70427/commentsAlan F.Private Chat comes to BBM for iOS betahttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Private-Chat-comes-to-BBM-for-iOS-beta_id70421Private Chat is a new feature available to BBM for iOS users running the beta version of the app from the Beta Zone. With Private Chat, you can keep certain messages away from the prying eyes of others. All contact information is hidden and new message notifications are handled discreetly. With Private Chat, an entire conversation is automatically deleted on both ends when it is closed or inactive. To start a private chat, tap on the icon on the upper right corner of a one-on-one chat. BlackBerry has put this new feature under a new heading called Privacy and Controls. This is where you will now ...]]>NewsSat, 13 Jun 2015 21:11:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Private-Chat-comes-to-BBM-for-iOS-beta_id70421/commentsAlan F.IBM and Samsung tops in innovation so far this yearhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/IBM-and-Samsung-tops-in-innovation-so-far-this-year_id70411From January through May of this year, the top two companies receiving patents were IBM (3059 patents awarded) and Samsung (3052). After those two tech giants, the number of patents received by companies drops off sharply with LG in fourth place with 1484 patents to its name during the first five months of this year. Google finished fifth with 1083 patents awarded.

So where did Apple place? The company, usually found near the top of the patents granted list, is having a tough start to 2015. For the first five months of 2015 Apple was awarded 780 patents, which put it in 11th place. Chip ...]]>NewsFri, 12 Jun 2015 23:49:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/IBM-and-Samsung-tops-in-innovation-so-far-this-year_id70411/commentsAlan F.BlackBerry rumored to launch a slider phone based on Android this fallhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-rumored-to-launch-a-slider-phone-based-on-Android-this-fall_id70368According to Reuters, BlackBerry is planning to launch an Android smartphone this fall. Although modern BlackBerry smartphones have the ability to install Android apps, insider sources quoted by the publication claim that, in a few months, Blackberry will actually sell a smartphone that runs Android out of the box, instead of the company's own Blackberry 10 OS.

Although Reuters has a very good track record on reporting upcoming products, it's probably best to digest this new info with a dose of the proverbial grain of salt.

Back in March at MWC 2015 in ...]]>NewsThu, 11 Jun 2015 22:19:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-rumored-to-launch-a-slider-phone-based-on-Android-this-fall_id70368/commentsMihai A.BlackBerry's top man in India takes a powderhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerrys-top-man-in-India-takes-a-powder_id70359BlackBerry has lost its top man in India. Managing Director Sunil Lalvani is leaving the manufacturer after joining the company in 2009. Prior to being named Managing Director, Lalvani was in charge of enterprise sales in India. Just a few weeks ago, he told the media that BlackBerry India was winning new business in the enterprise sector. BlackBerry's MDM product, BES12, has been doing well in the country according to the now departed executive.

Lalvani was named Managing Director of BlackBerry India two years ago and focused on enterprise rather than consumer sales. You would figure that ...]]>NewsThu, 11 Jun 2015 14:39:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerrys-top-man-in-India-takes-a-powder_id70359/commentsAlan F.10 iOS 9 features that were already available on Android and elsewherehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/10-iOS-9-features-that-were-already-available-on-Android-and-elsewhere_id70339Apple outlined iOS 9 on Monday at its annual WWDC conference, and we've already had the opportunity to take the beta software for a spin. During all that time, we couldn't help but notice just how many of the new features coming to iOS 9 are actually already available elsewhere, and mostly on Android. Of course, drawing inspiration from your competitors is a standard practice in the mobile industry (and, really, pretty much every other industry), and the various borrowings have already become too many to reliably back-track.

It's a back-and-forth process. In other words, Android ...]]>NewsThu, 11 Jun 2015 09:00:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/10-iOS-9-features-that-were-already-available-on-Android-and-elsewhere_id70339/commentsChris P.BlackBerry co-founder Balsillie says that the BlackBerry Storm had a 100% return ratehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-co-founder-Balsillie-says-that-the-BlackBerry-Storm-had-a-100-return-rate_id70345When Verizon brass turned down the Apple iPhone, they never thought for a second that their decision would be right up there with the infamous choice made by an executive at Decca Records to turn down the Beatles. But once the iPhone was launched in June 2007, it quickly became apparent to Verizon that they had made a mistake. The carrier tried to come up with a handset that could take on Apple and AT&T and eventually turned to BlackBerry to develop such a device. The result was the BlackBerry Storm, the manufacturer's first touchscreen phone.

Sporting the SurePress clickable screen, ...]]>NewsThu, 11 Jun 2015 08:54:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-co-founder-Balsillie-says-that-the-BlackBerry-Storm-had-a-100-return-rate_id70345/commentsAlan F.Unlocked BlackBerry Passport price cut by BlackBerry in Canada and the U.S.http://www.phonearena.com/news/Unlocked-BlackBerry-Passport-price-cut-by-BlackBerry-in-Canada-and-the-U.S._id70280If you've been waiting for a price cut before plunking down your hard-earned cash to buy an unlocked BlackBerry Passport, tonight we have some good news. For a limited time only, those in the U.S. and Canada can buy the top-of-the-line 'Berry for $499 USD and $599 CAD, respectively. The prices reflect a discount of $50 USD in the states and $100 CAD in Canada. The deals are available directly from BlackBerry's own ShopBlackBerry website.

Just in case you've forgotten the specs, the BlackBerry Passport is equipped with a 4.5-inch screen with a 1:1 aspect ratio and a 1440 x 1440 resolution. ...]]>NewsTue, 09 Jun 2015 22:18:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Unlocked-BlackBerry-Passport-price-cut-by-BlackBerry-in-Canada-and-the-U.S._id70280/commentsAlan F.Meet the BlackBerry Oslo: an upcoming Passport-like smartphonehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Meet-the-BlackBerry-Oslo-an-upcoming-Passport-like-smartphone_id70264BlackBerry is seemingly getting ready to unveil a successor to the Passport, one of the company's most unique smartphones to date. Currently known as the BlackBerry Oslo, this alleged successor was first spotted in April, when a render of it showed up online. Now, the unannounced device can be seen in a series of live photos that allow us to take a better look at it.

Revealed by N4BB, the new photos show a device that obviously resembles the BlackBerry Passport (more exactly, the AT&T variant of it). The Oslo comes with a 3-row QWERTY keyboard, and a square-ish, 1440 x 1440 pixels display ...]]>NewsTue, 09 Jun 2015 10:57:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Meet-the-BlackBerry-Oslo-an-upcoming-Passport-like-smartphone_id70264/commentsFlorin T.Wall Street banks dropping BlackBerry for BYOD, but BES12 keeps the company relevanthttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Wall-Street-banks-dropping-BlackBerry-for-BYOD-but-BES12-keeps-the-company-relevant_id70216Even though billions of dollars go through Wall Street every day, the banks and brokerage houses are in budget-cutting mode. And that means that a number of the financial institutions that handle stock, bond and currency transactions are dropping BlackBerry and allowing employees to bring their own device. Business Insider has learned that J.P.Morgan is asking its staff to return all BlackBerry handsets provided by the bank. The phones are supposed to be returned over the next 6 to 12 months.

Credit Suisse has already received all of the 'Berrys that it had passed out to its employees and ...]]>NewsMon, 08 Jun 2015 15:43:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Wall-Street-banks-dropping-BlackBerry-for-BYOD-but-BES12-keeps-the-company-relevant_id70216/commentsAlan F.BlackBerry CEO John Chen sends T-Mobile chief John Legere a special "Batman" BlackBerry Classichttp://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-CEO-John-Chen-sends-T-Mobile-chief-John-Legere-a-special-Batman-BlackBerry-Classic_id70142Those who follow T-Mobile CEO John Legere know that the executive is a huge Batman fan. Heck, the caped crusader is all over Legere's Twitter page. June 4th was Legere's birthday and he received a special present from John Chen. The BlackBerry CEO sent his counterpart at T-Mobile a "Batman" themed BlackBerry Classic.

It was nice gesture on the part of Chen and cemented the new-found friendship between the two mobile executives. The BlackBerry Classic is symbolic because it is the first BlackBerry handset offered by T-Mobile after BlackBerry ended its relationship with the carrier on April ...]]>NewsSat, 06 Jun 2015 04:12:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/BlackBerry-CEO-John-Chen-sends-T-Mobile-chief-John-Legere-a-special-Batman-BlackBerry-Classic_id70142/commentsAlan F.Updated version of Facebook escapes the Beta Zone, ready for BlackBerry 10 devices in App Worldhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Updated-version-of-Facebook-escapes-the-Beta-Zone-ready-for-BlackBerry-10-devices-in-App-World_id70098After spending some time in the BlackBerry Beta Zone, a new updated version of Facebook is now available for BlackBerry 10 powered handsets. The updated Facebook app can be found in App World and includes some new features for social media fans. The changelist says that you will see improved and additional story types in your NewsFeed. You will also be able to view likes and comments for an album, post comments and likes for an album, and set a photo in your album as a cover photo.

The update also enhances the user experience while exterminating any bugs that were preventing users from ...]]>NewsThu, 04 Jun 2015 23:53:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Updated-version-of-Facebook-escapes-the-Beta-Zone-ready-for-BlackBerry-10-devices-in-App-World_id70098/commentsAlan F.In the U.S., BlackBerry has the biggest increase in customer satisfaction among smartphone producershttp://www.phonearena.com/news/In-the-U.S.-BlackBerry-has-the-biggest-increase-in-customer-satisfaction-among-smartphone-producers_id70054According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index, which was released yesterday, BlackBerry has the fastest rising customer service score in the U.S. among smartphone manufacturers. The 5.4% improvement in its ACSI tally should put a smile on the face of BlackBerry CEO John Chen. Since the company started to be tracked by the index back in 2012, it has had a 13% increase in its score. Apparently, the company must be doing something right.

Overall, BlackBerry's score of 78 placed it fourth in the survey. Apple and Samsung each achieved a score of 80 to tie at the top. But both ...]]>NewsThu, 04 Jun 2015 01:14:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/In-the-U.S.-BlackBerry-has-the-biggest-increase-in-customer-satisfaction-among-smartphone-producers_id70054/commentsAlan F.